The World Health Organization (WHO) does not provide a single explicit definition of "physical education" in the searched documents, but it frames physical education as a key component of physical activity programs essential for health. WHO emphasizes physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles requiring energy expenditure, recommending at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children, which can be achieved through physical education programs in schools
. Physical education, as understood in the broader educational context aligned with WHO's health promotion goals, is a planned, sequential school curriculum designed to develop motor skills, physical fitness, health awareness, and social skills through physical activities like sports, exercise, and games
. It aims at the all-round development of the individual, including physical, mental, emotional, social, and moral aspects
. UNESCO, closely linked with WHO's health initiatives, defines Quality Physical Education (QPE) as a planned, inclusive learning experience within school curricula that supports lifelong engagement in physical activity and sport. QPE promotes whole-body health, including physical and psychosocial well-being, and helps students develop the skills necessary to lead active, healthy lives
. In summary, physical education per WHO-related frameworks can be described as:
- An educational process through physical activities aimed at developing physical fitness, motor skills, health knowledge, and social-emotional competencies.
- A foundation for lifelong physical activity contributing to health and well-being.
- A key strategy to help children and adolescents meet WHO physical activity guidelines for health benefits.
This aligns with WHO's broader public health recommendations on physical activity and sedentary behavior to improve population health outcomes
